UNITED NATIONS, Sep 24 : US President Joe Biden Tuesday delivered his final speech to the UN General Assembly, saying that a diplomatic solution between Israel and Lebanon\u2019s Hezbollah was still possible, as he called for easing tensions in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
With four months left in office, Biden stepped up to the podium, with wars in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine and Sudan still raging and likely to outlast his presidency, which ends in January.<\/p>\n
Biden noted the \u201cremarkable sweep of history\u201d he had seen in his long time in public service, saying \u201cthings can get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know, I know many look at the world today and see difficulties and react with despair,\u201d the president said. \u201cBut I do not. I won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
The UNGA\u2019s 79th session brought leaders from across the globe, including Pakistan\u2019s Prime Minister, to New York.<\/p>\n
The themes of the president\u2019s speech encompassed many of his foreign policy themes throughout his administration \u2014 rallying the world around Ukraine, managing global competition and emphasizing the importance of sustaining the UN Charter.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the president urged world leaders to remember that \u201csome things are more important than staying in power,\u201d emphasizing the value of \u201cwe the people\u201d after his own decision to step aside from his reelection race.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must never forget who we\u2019re here to represent,\u201d Biden said. \u201cWe, the people. These are the first words of our Constitution, the very idea of America, and they inspired the opening words of our UN Charter. I\u2019ve made the preservation of democracy the central cause of my presidency.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis summer, I faced a decision whether to seek a second term as president. It was a difficult decision. Being president has been the honour of my life. There\u2019s so much more I want to get done. But as much as I love the job, I love my country more. I decided after 50 years of public service, it\u2019s time for a new generation of leadership to take my nation forward. My fellow leaders, let us never forget, some things are more important than staying in power.\u201d<\/p>\n
The unyielding tension in the Middle East also promises to dominate much of the session.<\/p>\n
Biden has said he believes a cease-fire and hostage negotiation agreement is close, but nearly one year after Oct. 7, a deal remains elusive. Earlier this month, Biden said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not doing enough to secure a deal.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince Oct. 7, we\u2019ve also been determined to prevent a wider war that engulfs the entire region,\u201d the president said. \u201cHezbollah, unprovoked, joined the Oct. 7 attack launching rockets into Israel. Almost a year later, too many on each side of the Israeli Lebanon border remain displaced. Full scale war is not in anyone\u2019s interest.\u201d<\/p>\n
Israel\u2019s missiles slammed into southern Lebanon on Monday, killing nearly 500 people, according to Lebanon\u2019s health ministry, as Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah weapons hidden in residential buildings. The explosions came as Israel heralded a new wave of attacks in Lebanon, warning civilians to flee from any buildings or areas where the organization had weapons or fighters positioned.<\/p>\n
A senior US administration official called the situation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon \u201cdelicate and dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following former President Donald Trump\u2019s presidency, Biden has emphasized that close relationships with allies are in America\u2019s best interest. He reiterated that sentiment on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy fellow leaders, I truly believe we\u2019re at another inflection point in world history where the choices we make today will determine our future for decades to come,\u201d Biden said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill we stand behind the principles that unite us? Will we stand firm against aggression? Will we end the conflicts that are raging today? Will we take on global challenges like climate change, hunger and disease?\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
UNITED NATIONS, Sep 24 : US President Joe Biden Tuesday delivered his final speech to the UN General Assembly, saying that a diplomatic solution between Israel and Lebanon\u2019s Hezbollah was still possible, as he called for easing tensions in the Middle East. With four months […]<\/p>\n
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